In a resource allocation method in a multicarrier-based mobile communication system that includes base stations and supports multiple access of a plurality of terminals identified using codes, the service area of each base station is divided into at least two virtual cells having different radii about the base station, and resources are actively allocated to terminals located in the service area according to distribution of the terminals in the virtual cells. The service area is divided into two virtual cells based on received signal strengths of the terminals for a specific subchannel, and the specific subchannel is allocated to one terminal or at most two terminals according to distribution of the terminals in the virtual cells.